FMI Capital Advisors, Inc. Speech Topics

Mergers & Acquisitions*

Planning the Lingering Ownership Transition

Ownership transition planning for E&C firms has historically focused on a transaction with retiring owners selling 100% of their stock to the next generation. The transaction typically took place over a period of years and had a defined end. There is now a shift in the way sellers think of "retiring." Several factors have sellers taking a slower approach to the sale resulting in an undefined end date. As economic and political volatility continues to impact construction markets, the "lingering ownership transfer" will be a common occurrence. Learning objectives in this session include:

Objectively planning the financial side of your retirement

Choosing and developing your next-generation leaders

Creating a sustainable transaction strategy that provides for your maintaining a stake and role in the business

How a slower transition can be positive for the company

Acquisition Activity in the U.S. Construction Industry—Trends and Forecasts

Construction company mergers and acquisitions represents a growing trend and an expression of strategic activity. This session provides insight into the underlying forces of this activity and an informed perspective on what will likely happen in the coming years. In this session, learn about:

Reasons for contractor acquisitions

Foreign involvement and influence

Financial requirements and surety influence

Changing markets and the need for diversity

What is Your Business Worth?

All owners want to know the intrinsic value of their business. We will address motivations that underlie the need to establish a current worth, as well as common techniques used to value firms in the construction industry. We will discuss:

Value drivers and detractors

The impact of earning power

The importance of net worth

What the marketplace indicates

The IRS's view

Will Your Business Outlive You—and Should It?

The biggest challenge facing owners of closely held firms is transferring the business's ownership and management to the next generation. Whether it is a transfer to family or a group of key employees, certain issues must be identified and a plan executed. This session covers:

Defining each step in the transition process

Valuing the business

Selecting the most appropriate successor

Handling family issues

Choosing the right ownership transfer technique

Ownership Transfer Techniques That Work

The unique financial aspects of firms in the construction industry dictate that stock transfer techniques commonly utilized in other industries either do not work or require modification. This speech deals with proven strategies for transferring the business from current owners to the next generation. We will discuss the following topics:

The basic options—bestow a gift, sell to employees, sell to a third party

Current tax issues

Handling the surety problem

Choosing future shareholders

Ownership Transfer & Management Succession: An Overview

Transferring ownership in a construction company is a complex, technical and emotional undertaking. Whether it is to the next generation, a third-party buyer or your employees, succession planning can be extremely challenging.

Why is this such a significant problem in our industry?

Define the components and steps to the business succession process

Identify the key facts unique to contractors and the implications to your plan

Understand the dangers of inadequate planning and develop strategies to overcome related issues